To say that Team Foster is heading into an exciting stretch would be an understatement.

Team Foster?

That’s just another name the University of Rhode Island baseball Rams will take on this weekend during what head coach Jim Foster and his wife Narelle hope will be another recording setting weekend.

For starters, URI is fresh off Tuesday’s 16-4 pounding of Boston College, which on Sunday spanked former No. 1 ranked Florida State University’s Seminoles, 17-6. Coincidentally, Rhody will be in Tallahassee next weekend for an important three-game non-conference series.

But all of the Rams’ eyes will be focused on this weekend when URI – which is 22-14 overall and in first place in the Atlantic 10 – will host another important three-game series with the Xavier University Musketeers.

Saturday, though, the Rams will be involved in more than just a baseball game.

“It’s the fifth annual Autism Awareness Fundraiser,” said Jodi Pontbriand, URI’s communication director for baseball. “We’re encouraging people to come on down and support the team and help the athletic department raise money for The Autism Project of Rhode Island.”

Last year’s event raised $5,600 for The Autism Project of RI.

“All proceeds from that day will benefit local children by providing new services and additional training for the new teachers and professionals who care for individuals affected by Autism,” said Julie Montalbano, a development associate for The Autism Project RI. “Coach Foster’s wife Narelle really runs the entire day at URI. She’s such a great lady.”

Montalbano reported that to-date Team Foster has raised $1,325 while Rhody Baseball’s fundraising efforts have realized $850. Thus, Montalbano and the Fosters have lined up an exciting schedule of events for Saturday in hopes of surpassing the total $2,175 and soaring over last year’s amount of $5,600.

Montalbano also emphasized that all money raised during Saturday’s “Run the Bases for Autism” will be donated to The Autism Project of RI in the name of Delaney Foster, Coach Jim and Narelle’s daughter, who has Autism.

“There will be music and activities with Cat Country (98.1 FM) and lots of things for the children,” Montalbano said of Saturday’s 11 a.m. fundraiser that will be held prior to the Rams-Xavier 1 p.m. contest. “They’ll have a huge inflatable obstacle course, wiffle ball, kickball, food, face painting, drinks, prizes and even a special silent auction.”

The event is co-sponsored by Boar’s Head Meats, Kayem and Wonder Bread.